Mathieu, the Heisman Trophy finalist and All-American cornerback who was kicked off the team more than three weeks ago for multiple positive drug tests, enrolled at LSU on Tuesday to the delight of his former teammates and with a salute from his former head coach.

As a student only, Mathieu told LSU Daily Reveille reporter Chandler Rome he was happy to be back amongst friends after spending the time since his dismissal in former NBA star John Lucas' Right Step Recovery rehab program.

He did not say whether he was considering trying to return to the team for the 2013 season. Mathieu has two season of eligibility remaining but is also eligible for the 2013 NFL draft in April.

"I'm just focusing on academics right now and really myself," Mathieu told the Reveille. "I'm not worried too much about football.

"It feels great. I'm just enjoying the weather and it feels great to be back."

LSU safety Eric Reid smiled as he reacted to seeing his old friend from the secondary. He said the Tigers still consider him part of the team.

"I saw him on campus today," Reid said. "He'll always be my teammate, he'll always be a Tiger. He's one of us. We just hope the process goes by fast for him. We know he can't wait to get back on the field again.

"I think one day that's what he wants to do. From what I know, from what he's told me, he's going to ride out this process and come back and be a Tiger."

LSU officials have been silent on the possibility of Mathieu's return to the team. Tigers Coach Les Miles first said the dismissal was permanent but now says he won't comment on Mathieu's future beyond the next school year. He did express happiness that Mathieu had made the choice to enter rehab and get back to school.

"I think he's making some quality decisions for himself," Miles said at his weekly press conference Tuesday. "I believe he's made some difficult decisions for himself that will better him as he goes forward. We certainly wish him the very best."

Mathieu's adoptive parents, Tyrone and Sheila Mathieu, said Tyrann will continue to get advice and counseling from Lucas while attending school. Mathieu said he's "finished with that treatment phase and it went well.

"A lot of issues that I was dealing with, I felt like I got those things handled. I'm just kind of working on the self more than the athlete. As of right now, I'm focusing on graduating."

Teammates were unanimous that Mathieu is welcomed as a student and as a player if he is able to return to the team next season. Odell Beckham Jr. said he didn't see Mathieu Tuesday but has stayed in touch with him since the dismissal.

"It's between him and his family (if he wants to come back). I would love it. It's not just the things he does on defense or as a punt returner. It's that the vibe he brings to this team is unmatched."

Said fellow New Orleanian and defensive tackle Anthony Johnson: "It's wonderful. I wish him the best. He's a great guy, he's a great football player. I want him to do what he does in life and what God has planned for him. Being back in school is a great uplift for everybody to see that anything is possible.'